as in red lights
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit
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Recent Examples of red flags
The petition, according to Robertson, has over 3,700 signatures from people who see red flags in the pilot program that rolls on through May 2027.
—
Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The inspector general’s office found that Pinnacle, located in the Bronx, received significantly higher reimbursements from Medicare under the new payment system than the old one, raising red flags at the agency.
—Eli Cahan, ProPublica, 23 Mar. 2026
The good news is that spotting the red flags early can prevent a much bigger problem later.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
There are so many red flags in your question.
—Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Such overlaps in resources are considered red flags for potential fraud, according to a state audit and a CMS fact sheet.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
For Roseline, 36, a five-year Willbes veteran who joined SOTA-BO in 2020, the factory’s red flags were already apparent before the layoffs began.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026
Together, information like this can help fliers recognize red flags that may signal travel disruptions ahead—or simply better understand why a flight was canceled or delayed in the first place.
—Graham Rapier, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
The mere $2,365 traded on this unlikeliest of outcomes doesn’t raise red flags that anyone was tipped off.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The inspector general’s office found that Pinnacle, located in the Bronx, received significantly higher reimbursements from Medicare under the new payment system than the old one, raising red flags at the agency.
—Eli Cahan, ProPublica, 23 Mar. 2026
The good news is that spotting the red flags early can prevent a much bigger problem later.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
There are so many red flags in your question.
—Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Such overlaps in resources are considered red flags for potential fraud, according to a state audit and a CMS fact sheet.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
For Roseline, 36, a five-year Willbes veteran who joined SOTA-BO in 2020, the factory’s red flags were already apparent before the layoffs began.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026
Together, information like this can help fliers recognize red flags that may signal travel disruptions ahead—or simply better understand why a flight was canceled or delayed in the first place.
—Graham Rapier, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
The mere $2,365 traded on this unlikeliest of outcomes doesn’t raise red flags that anyone was tipped off.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
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District leaders say the cameras will be installed on bus stop-arms and will record vehicles that fail to stop when red lights are flashing, which is a violation of Georgia law that carries a minimum $1,000 fine.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Cars waiting behind red lights could be heard honking at pedestrians in support.—
Alex Gladden,
Oklahoman,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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However, their work now takes place as the Iran war creates serious supply constraints for essential fertilizer products — fueling massive price spikes and warnings of looming food insecurity.—
Chloe Taylor,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
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Similar warnings had been issued in other Gulf cities over recent weeks, but this was the first time residents in Riyadh received them.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Oil steadied and Asian stocks were mostly trading lower Tuesday as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remained mixed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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